eAlerts

Number 210: 1 August 2025

Annual and Quarterly Activity Reports

The latest Annual and Quarterly Activity Reports are now available. These snapshot Development Applications Lodged and Determined, together with information on a variety of Regulatory functions which have occurred in the Ipswich City Council area.

View the June 2025 Quarterly Activity Report here and the 2024-2025 Annual Activity Report Card here.

Operational Works Approval for Driveways - Non-Standard Residential and Commercial Applications

From the commencement of the new financial year 2025-2026, Engineering, Health and Environment Branch will be responsible for approving Operational Works applications for non-standard residential and commercial driveways in accordance with Council’s New Planning Scheme.

A driveway is a vehicular access point for a property adjacent to a road or street crossing over a verge, nature strip and/or footpath. In most cases, the driveway is formed from the kerb and channel or edge of the carriageway to the property boundary. It is important to note that driveways are the property owner's responsibility and any associated driveway construction costs, construction activities and maintenance are not Council's responsibility.

When constructing the initial driveway, you do not need approval to build a standard driveway provided it complies with the acceptable development requirements in accordance with the Ipswich City Plan 2025 and council's driveway standard drawing/s.

You need Council Operational Works approval if your application:

• is a non-standard residential or commercial driveway (see factsheet and relevant standard drawings under More Information below); and
• is an additional driveway that does not comply with the Planning Scheme Requirements.

It should be noted that proposed driveways on roadways under the control of Department of Transport and Main Roads are subject to an approval process from that entity.

To lodge an application for a Non-Standard Residential or Commercial Driveway, please lodge your DA1 application form along with payment to plandev@ipswich.qld.gov.au.

For further information on Driveway Approval please visit the council's Driveways webpage or contact Engineering, Health and Environment Branch via phone on 3810 6888 or via email on plandev@ipswich.qld.gov.au.

New Ipswich City Plan 2025, Local Government Infrastructure Plan, and associated Ipswich Adopted Infrastructure Charges Resolution

Adoption of the new Ipswich City Plan 2025

Ipswich City Council adopted the Ipswich City Plan 2025 including a new Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) on 29 May 2025 to take effect on and from 1 July 2025.

The new city plan has now taken effect, replacing the former 2006 Ipswich Planning Scheme with a contemporary, fit-for-purpose scheme that will position Ipswich to respond to growth over the next 20 years.

The city plan also includes a new Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) to guide infrastructure delivery to supports the anticipated growth.

Thank you for helping shape our city’s future.

To view the Ipswich City Plan 2025 including the new LGIP, click here and if you would like more information on planning in Ipswich, click here.

Adoption of the new Local Government Infrastructure Plan, the LGIP 2025

Ipswich City Council adopted a new local government infrastructure plan, the LGIP 2025 on 29 May 2025.

The LGIP 2025 forms part of the Ipswich City Plan 2025 and replaces the existing local government infrastructure plan contained in Part 13 of the Ipswich Planning Scheme 2006.

The purpose and general effect of the LGIP 2025 is to:

• integrate infrastructure planning with land use planning as identified in the Ipswich City Plan 2025;
• provide transparency regarding Council’s intentions for the provision of trunk infrastructure;
• enable Council to estimate the cost of infrastructure provision to assist its long term financial planning;
• ensure that trunk infrastructure is planned and provided in an efficient and orderly manner; and
• provide a basis for the imposition of conditions about infrastructure on development approvals.

The LGIP 2025 has effect on and from 1 July 2025.

The LGIP 2025 can be viewed and downloaded from council’s website.

Adoption of the new Ipswich Adopted Infrastructure Charges Resolution (No.1) 2025, the AICR 2025

Ipswich City Council also adopted a new Ipswich Adopted Infrastructure Charges Resolution (No.1) 2025, the AICR 2025 on 19 June 2025 to align with the new Ipswich City Plan 2025 and LGIP 2025.

The purpose of the AICR 2025 is to:

• replace the Ipswich Adopted Infrastructure Charges Resolution (No.1) 2024;
• state the adopted charges for providing the local government trunk infrastructure networks; and
• state the levied charges to be levied by the local government for development for the demand placed on the local government trunk infrastructure networks.

Some key changes in the new AICR 2025 include:

• applies the prescribed amount as the maximum adopted charge (MAC) indexed consistent with the Producer Price Index (PPI);
• updates the conversion criteria, and includes updated criteria for market cost recalculations;
• removes the deemed demand for deemed demand areas, including associated mapping;
• removes the constrained land map;
• provides for the inclusion of select discounts to provide infrastructure charges relief; and
• includes an annual fund cap per category and discount cap per development.

The AICR 2025 has effect on and from 1 July 2025 and can be viewed and downloaded from council’s website.

Council has also adopted five (5) incentive policies designed to support development that alleviates current community challenges, including the delivery of affordable housing and a diversity of housing:

1. Not-for-profit Community Organisation Incentives Policy;
2. Rural Tourism Incentives Policy;
3. Adaptive Reuse of Character Buildings Incentives Policy;
4. Hotel and Short-Term Accommodation Incentives Policy; and
5. Housing Diversity and Affordability Incentives Policy.

These incentive policies are targeted at providing community benefit and achieving short-term delivery. The policies are financially responsible with the inclusion of caps, and they also provide for the deferral of payments to support community organisations and the delivery of development that benefits the community.

For further information

Should you have further enquiries about these projects, please contact council on

• phone (07) 3810 6666
• or post to: Ipswich City Council PO Box 191 IPSWICH QLD 4305
• or email: planningscheme@ipswich.qld.gov.au

Ipswich City Plan 2025 Commencement – Impact on Application Lodgement

With the commencement of the Ipswich City Plan 2025 on 1 July 2025, applicants are advised that all applications lodged and properly made, including the payment of the prescribed fee, prior to the close of business on 30 June 2025 will be assessed under the Ipswich Planning Scheme 2006 (Version 03/2017, effective from 19 October 2018).

Should any application made prior to 1 July 2025 be determined as Not Properly Made and an Action Notice issued, the application, if considered properly made after 1 July 2025, will be assessed under the Ipswich City Plan 2025 (Version 1, effective from 1 July 2025).

Please note that regardless of whether the application is lodged before or after 1 July 2025, application fees will be determined based on the 2025-26 Fees and Charges if the correct prescribed fee is not paid prior to 30 June 2025.

Should an applicant wish for their application to be assessed under the Ipswich Planning Scheme 2006 (Version 03/2017, effective from 19 October 2018), it is recommended that they contact Council’s Development Planning Branch at development@ipswich.qld.gov.au to confirm the correct prescribed fee by close of business 26 June 2025 to limit unnecessary delays in payment.

New Planning Scheme including new Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP)

On 29 May 2025, Ipswich City Council adopted Ipswich City Plan 2025 including a new Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP). The new planning scheme will come into force and have effect from 1 July 2025 and will replace the current 2006 Ipswich Planning Scheme.

To preview the Ipswich City Plan 2025 including the new LGIP, go to https://ipswich.isoplan.com.au. Further supporting information is available on the new planning scheme project page on Council’s Shape Your Ipswich www.shapeyouripswich.com.au/new-ipswich-planning-scheme

If you have any questions about the new Ipswich City Plan 2025 including the LGIP, please email planningscheme@ipswich.qld.gov.au or contact (07) 3810 6666.

Thank you for helping shape our city’s future.

New Off-site Stormwater Quality Improvement Policy and updated Voluntary Payment

In Ipswich, the quality of stormwater running off some development sites after they’ve been constructed must be improved by meeting targets for reductions in stormwater pollutants. This often involves developers designing and constructing stormwater quality improvement devices on development sites (i.e., on-site) like raingardens, filter cartridge systems, and gross pollutant traps.

Since 2012, Ipswich City Council (council) has operated the Off-site Stormwater Quality Improvement Program (Program). The Program allows eligible developers to voluntarily pay fees to council instead of achieving some or all of the targets. Council uses these fees to deliver projects off development sites (i.e., off-site) that achieve an equal or greater reduction in stormwater pollutants relative to what developers would achieve on-site. These projects can involve designing and constructing stormwater quality improvement devices like bioretention basins, constructed wetlands, and passively irrigated and water smart street trees. They can also involve naturalising stormwater channels, re-engaging floodplains and wetlands, and stabilising and rehabilitating waterways. Council is committed to ensuring these projects provide multiple long-term economic, environmental, and social benefits to the Ipswich community in addition to meeting the off-site stormwater quality improvement responsibilities it takes on through the Program.

In late 2022, a review of the Program was undertaken which identified several issues that affected council’s ability to meet its off-site stormwater quality improvement responsibilities in an environmentally and financially sustainable way. The review recommended the following improvements to address the issues.

1. The preparation of a new council policy to ensure consistent decision making in the Program in accordance with best practice stormwater management and the Queensland Government’s guidance for off-site stormwater quality improvement.
2. The preparation of new guidelines that clearly outline eligibility, rules, and requirements for developers seeking to participate in the Program.
3. An update to the unit and rate used to calculate fees paid by developers to recover council’s costs in planning and delivering off-site stormwater quality improvement projects and ensure environmental and financial risks are controlled.

In December 2024, council resolved to adopt the new policy and guidelines which can be found on Program’s website. The updated unit and rate will take effect from the 1st of July 2025 and will be included in the 2025-2026 Register of Fees and Charges. How and why the unit will be updated is described below.

Payment unit

To ensure consistent assessments of the off-site stormwater quality improvement responsibilities council takes on, and the performance of projects in meeting them, the current unit will change from square metres (m2) of water quality treatment area to kilograms (kg) of Total Nitrogen (TN) per year (kg/TN/year). The change of unit will result in the current rate of $1,121.23/m2 being updated to the equivalent value of $29,506/kgTN/year. Note that this does not represent an increase to the fee rate, and therefore the fees to be paid by developers, only a change in the unit used to measure responsibilities.

Payment rate

To address environmental modelling uncertainties and recover council’s costs for the operation of the Program, including the planning and delivery of projects to meet responsibilities, the updated fee rate will increase from $29,605/kgTN/year to $48,532/kgTN/year. This denotes a 64% increase in the fee rate, made up of a 50% increase to address modelling uncertainties and associated environmental and financial risks, and a 14% increase to recover council’s Program and project management costs.

The update to the unit and rate will maintain council’s position as a leader in off-site stormwater quality improvement in Queensland. This has been reflected in historic awards for off-site stormwater quality improvement projects (e.g., Small Creek channel naturalisation and Jim Donald Wetland) and most recently, the 2024 Award for Excellence in Policy and Education from Stormwater Queensland for the Program’s review.

For further information, please visit council’s Off-site Stormwater Quality Improvement Program website.

Quarterly Activity Report

This is the latest Quarterly Activity Report which snapshots Development Applications Lodged and Determined, together with information on a variety of Regulatory functions which have occurred in the Ipswich City Council area.

The full snapshot can be viewed here.

Ripley Valley PDA: Project Coordinator and Certifiers to be from Different Entities

In an effort to streamline and improve efficiencies in the delivery of developments within the Ripley Valley Priority Development Area (PDA) as outlined in the Ripley Valley PDA Project Improvement Plan, it is now a requirement for the individuals in the roles of the Project Coordinator and Certifiers to be from different entities.

The implementation of this is evidence of council’s commitment to partner with development industry and increase trust in the Project Coordinators and Certifiers. This requirement will provide a separation between these two individuals, remove the potential for conflicts within an organisation and foster better development outcomes. This requirement will also provide accepted individuals with the opportunity to undertake the roles and responsibilities in accordance with the Certification Procedures Manual (CPM) without consequence.

Council will be scheduling a workshop with active Project Coordinators and Certifiers within the PDA in the near future to present in more detail the current practices in the Ripley Valley PDA.

Update: New Planning Scheme and Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP)

The draft new planning scheme and LGIP are now in the adoption stage of the plan making process having received State Government approval on 14 February 2025, subject to conditions.

Council officers are required to make a number of changes to the draft new planning scheme in order to comply with these conditions before it can be presented to council for consideration and endorsement. At this time, council officers are working towards presenting the final draft of the new planning scheme and LGIP to council at an upcoming council meeting.

Subject to council approval, the new planning scheme and LGIP are planned to commence on 1 July 2025.

You can follow the planning scheme project via https://www.shapeyouripswich.com.au/new-ipswich-planning-scheme.

New Planning Scheme and Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP)

The draft new planning scheme and LGIP is now in the adoption stage of the plan making process having received State Government approval to proceed to adoption, with conditions on 14 February 2025.

Council officers will now review the ministerial conditions and prepare an updated draft planning scheme for council’s consideration to adopt at a future meeting. A further update will be provided when available.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred - Extension of Periods Under the Planning Act

Tropical Cyclone Alfred Event (5 - 19 March 2025)

On 4 March 2025, the Planning Minister declared the Tropical Cyclone Alfred event that occurred in South-East Queensland to be an applicable event, which applies to 21 local government areas affected by the event including Ipswich City Council.

Click to view the Applicable Event Notice.

Extension of Periods Under the Planning Act

On 11 March 2025, the Planning Minister made the following extension notice during the Tropical Cyclone Alfred applicable event. The extension notice takes effect on 12 March 2025 and will end on 19 March 2025 when the applicable event ends.

Click to view the Extension Notice.

Under s275R of the Planning Act 2016 (Planning Act), the Planning Minister extended by a period of 6 business days for the following:

• the period for the assessment manager to determine whether a development application is a properly made application (known as the confirmation period)
• the period for the referral agency to assess the application and issue a referral agency response (known as the referral agency assessment period)
• the period for the assessment manager to assess and decide a development application (known as the decision period).

Please note: this extension notice does not relate to applications made in the Ripley Valley Priority Development Area or the Springfield Structure Plan Area.

Where applicable, these extended timeframes will be reflected in the Assessment Stages for each application.

Should you have any questions about the revised timeframes relating to your specific application, please contact the responsible officer directly.

For more information regarding Applicable Events, please visit https://www.planning.qld.gov.au/planning-framework/legislation/ministers-powers/applicable-events

Alert: Cyclone Alfred

Date/s and Forecast Amount

It is anticipated that Ipswich will receive heavy to locally intense rainfall which may lead to flash flooding as Alfred approaches the coast late on Thursday or early Friday. The current forecast this week from the Bureau of Metrology is as follows:

• Wednesday 5 March 2025 – up to 15mm rainfall, wind gusts exceeding 65 km/h
• Thursday 6 March 2025 – up to 80mm rainfall, wind gusts exceeding 130 km/h
• Friday 7 March 2025 – up to 150mm rainfall, wind gusts exceeding 90 km/h
• Saturday 8 March 2025 – up to 110mm rainfall, wind gusts exceeding 25 km/h
• Sunday 9 March 2025 – up to 35mm rainfall, wind gusts exceeding 25 km/h

Note: Forecasts vary slightly depending on which app or website you are using and are updated regularly as modelling changes.

Weather and Event Information - Tropical Cyclone Alfred | Disaster Management | Queensland Government

Pre-event Actions/ Recommendations

• Ensure a complete site inspection is undertaken and conduct maintenance where required.
• Check all site controls are functional to avoid any damage from high wind and localised flooding.
• Ensure site shade and other materials are anchored / pinned / removed in order to withstand high winds.
• Remove or stored items that are unable to be anchored or could move in strong winds.
• Consider all site erosion control measures are in place to avoid any sediment leaving the site.
• Consider temporary flood/velocity control measures such as sandbags/coir logs/silt socks to protect the site from flooding and wind damage.
• Please ensure all site personnel are aware of potential rain by raising at your prestart/toolbox talk.

Post Event Actions/ Recommendations

• Conduct a full site inspection and with repairs/maintenance to be carried out as necessary immediately after the cyclone.
• Ensure site is controlled after the cyclone to ensure safety of the site workers.
• Site Supervisor/s should be available and contactable at all times.

Quarterly Activity Report

This is the latest Quarterly Activity Report which snapshots Development Applications Lodged and Determined, together with information on a variety of Regulatory functions which have occurred in the Ipswich City Council area.

The full snapshot can be viewed here.

Rate 3 Streetlighting Improvements

Ipswich City Council (council) have undertaken a review of the processes associated with the assessment and handover of Rate 3 Streetlighting assets. The purpose of the review was to identify areas which could mutually benefit council officers and the development industry. The improvements which were identified will take effect immediately and are outlined below:

Removal of Maintenance Period for Rate 3 Streetlighting

Council will no longer require a 12-month maintenance period once an asset has achieved what was formally known as On Maintenance. Meaning that council will accept maintenance responsibility of the asset once it has reached the requirements of Asset Acceptance. Asset Acceptance will be contingent on the full completion of works (including defects rectification), energisation and an accepted submission of As Constructed Information, certifications, warranties, test results and the Financial Apportionment Form. It should be noted that a maintenance security bond will not be required, however Rate 3 Streetlighting may still be subject to Incomplete Works Bonding.

Condensed Financial Apportionment Form

As mentioned above, one of the requirements of Asset Acceptance is the provision of the Financial Apportionment Form. Council has reviewed the current Financial Apportionment Form and has created a condensed version of the form for Electrical and Streetlighting Works. The updated form can be found at Financial Apportionment Form and Instructions.

Minimum Incomplete Works Bond

Council has also reviewed the Incomplete Works Bonding policy under Planning Scheme Policy 3 – Part 10.1.4 and have considered that the minimum Incomplete Works Bond will be set at $15,000.00. The minimum bond covers the provision of As Constructed Information (As Design As Constructed (ADAC), test certification, warranties, test results and the Financial Apportionment Form) and energisation. It should be noted that Planning Scheme Policy 3 – Part 10.1.4 does not specifically address milestones for Rate 3 Streetlighting works and it is hoped that the minimum bond will provide guidance for applicants looking to bond Rate 3 Streetlighting works incomplete for small to medium sized subdivisions.

Please note that the above relates to Rate 3 Streetlighting infrastructure only and other lighting associated with other development works will be subject to the normal requirements of Planning Scheme Policy 3 – General Works. Furthermore, the Minimum Incomplete Works Bond relates to Operational Works under the Planning Act and council’s Planning Scheme and does not include the Ripley Priority Development Area under the Economic Development Act.

Should you have any enquiries regarding the above, feel free to contact council's Engineering, Health and Environment Branch via email (engineering@ipswich.qld.gov.au)

New Off-site Stormwater Quality Improvement Policy and Updated Voluntary Payment

Since 2012, Ipswich City Council (council) has operated the Off-site Stormwater Quality Improvement Program (the Program). The Program allows eligible developers to voluntarily pay a fee to council in-lieu of meeting some or all of their stormwater quality improvement responsibilities under the State Planning Policy 2017. Council must use the fees to deliver projects off development sites (i.e., off-site) that achieve an equal or greater stormwater quality outcome relative to what would be achieved by developers meeting responsibilities on development sites.

In late 2022, council undertook a review of the Program to ensure it can meet the responsibilities it inherits from developers participating in the Program in the future. The review identified several issues and recommendations to address them including, but not limited to, the following.

1. The preparation of a new Off-site Stormwater Quality Improvement Policy (the Policy) to ensure consistent council decisions aligned to best practice and the achievement of desired economic, environmental, and social outcomes in Ipswich.
2. The update of council’s Voluntary Off-site Stormwater Quality Improvement Payment (the Payment) to ensure environmental, financial, and other risks associated with off-site stormwater quality improvement are minimised for council and the Ipswich community.

In December 2024, council resolved to adopt the Policy. Now in effect, the Policy can be found on council's website here. The updated Payment will take effect from 1 July 2025 and be included in the 2025-2026 Register of Fees and Charges. It will include the following changes to the unit and rate used to calculate the Payment:

Payment unit

To ensure consistent assessments of the stormwater quality improvement responsibilities council inherits from developers, and the performance of off-site projects in meeting them, the current unit will change from square metres (m2) of water quality treatment area to kilograms (kg) of Total Nitrogen (TN) per year (kg/TN/year). The change of unit will result in the current rate of $1,121.23/m2 being updated to the equivalent value of $29,506/kgTN/year. Note that this does not represent an increase to the fee rate, and therefore the fees to be paid by developers, only a change in the unit used to measure responsibilities.

Payment rate

To address environmental modelling uncertainties and recover council’s costs for the operation of the Program, including the planning and delivery of projects to meet the responsibilities council inherits from developers, the updated fee rate will increase from $29,605/kgTN/year to $48,532/kgTN/year. This denotes a 64% increase in the fee rate, made up of a 50% increase to address modelling uncertainties and associated environmental and financial risks, and a 14% increase to recover council’s Program and project management costs.

The new Policy and update to the Payment will maintain council’s position as a leader in off-site stormwater quality improvement in Queensland. This has been reflected in historic awards for off-site projects (e.g., Small Creek channel naturalisation) and most recently, the 2024 Award for Excellence in Policy and Education from Stormwater Queensland for the Program’s review.

For further information, please visit council’s Off-site Stormwater Quality Improvement Program website.

Quarterly Activity Report

This is the latest Quarterly Activity Report which snapshots Development Applications Lodged and Determined, together with information on a variety of Regulatory functions which have occurred in the Ipswich City Council area.

The full snapshot can be viewed here.

New Online Functionality for Private Certifiers

Ipswich City Council is pleased to notify you of a recent enhancement to the Online Lodgements Portal for Private Certifiers, enabling the digital upload of Final Inspection Certificates.

The enhancement brings additional functionality to the Portal, providing Private Certifiers an online option to upload and lodge all of the following documents with council, associated with Building Works applications:

• Form 56 - Notice of Engagement
• Decision Notices BWPC1 and BWPC2 (excluding amended Decision Notices)
• Final Inspection Certificates*

*This new functionality will be available for all new Building Works applications lodged with council after today, Monday 28 October 2024. However, for applications lodged prior to this date, Private Certifiers will need to email the Final Inspection Certificates to council for processing.

This change was implemented to enhance customer experience and add the last piece to the online lodgements process. By enabling the online submission of Final Inspection Certificates, council hopes that your interactions with us are now more efficient, consistent and convenient.

User support information, along with the Online Lodgements Portal link, can be found under the ‘Online Services’ tab at Ipswich.qld.gov.au

If you have questions or concerns relating to the Online Lodgements Portal for Private Certifiers, please contact Ipswich City Council’s Lodgements team during business hours on (07) 3810 6888 or email plandev@ipswich.qld.gov.au

Ipswich City Council appreciates your business and values your past and future feedback.

Update: Draft Ipswich Plan 2024 (including draft LGIP 2024)

Approval of the draft Ipswich Plan 2024 (including the draft LGIP 2024) was not received from the state government prior to it entering the pre-election caretaker period.

Ipswich City Council will continue to engage with the State Government post-election.

The anticipated adoption and commencement date of Ipswich Plan 2024 (including the LGIP) cannot be confirmed at this stage. A further update will be provided when available.

Thank you for your continued interest in this important project and in shaping the future of our City.

Annual Activity Report Card

This is the latest Annual Activity Report which snapshots Development Applications Lodged and Determined, together with information on a variety of Regulatory functions which have occurred in the Ipswich City Council area during the 2023-2024 financial year.

The report can be viewed here.

Quarterly Activity Report

This is the latest Quarterly Activity Report which snapshots Development Applications Lodged and Determined, together with information on a variety of Regulatory functions which have occurred in the Ipswich City Council area.

The full snapshot can be viewed here.

Adoption of the Ipswich Adopted Infrastructure Charges Resolution (No.1) 2024

Ipswich City Council (council) has adopted the Ipswich Adopted Infrastructure Charges Resolution (No.1) 2024, effective on and from 1 July 2024.

The purpose of the Ipswich Adopted Charges Resolution (No.1) 2024 is to:

• replace the Ipswich Adopted Infrastructure Charges Resolution (No.1) 2023, including indexation to March 2024;
• state the adopted charges for providing the local government trunk infrastructure networks; and
• state the levied charges to be levied by the local government for development for the demand placed on the local government trunk infrastructure networks.

The Ipswich Adopted Infrastructure Charges Resolution (No.1) 2024, as well as previous versions, are available on council’s website at Ipswichplanning.com.au/planning-documents/planning-scheme

For further information, please contact council’s Planning and Regulatory Services Department, City Design Branch on (07) 3810 6251.

Register of Fees and Charges (2024-2025)

Ipswich City Council has adopted a new fee structure for the new financial year which includes changes to the fees applicable for development, operational works, building and plumbing applications, and health and regulatory services fees.

This document can be located here.

Ripley Valley PDA Application/Lodgement Form Now Available

The new ‘Ripley PDA Application/Lodgement Form(PDF, 342KB)’ is now available. This form is for use with lodgement of all applications in the Ripley Valley Priority Development Area and is available from Ipswich City Council’s Ipswich Planning website.

Please note that this is an update and correction to the previously advised link detailed in eAlert 187 dated 14 June 2024.

New Ripley Valley PDA Application/Lodgement Form

Ipswich City Council (council) officers recently undertook extensive consultation with both internal and external stakeholders (EDQ and the Development Industry) to obtain constructive feedback on experiences and/or challenges that are being faced with developments in the Ripley Valley Priority Development Area (PDA). The findings of this consultation have now been analysed, validated and used to inform the creation of a ‘RVPDA Improvement Plan’ (Improvement Plan). It is important to note that the Improvement Plan focuses not only on areas of improvement for council, but also areas that the development industry can improve upon in order for council to facilitate the desired quicker and more efficient development assessment process.

As part of the Improvement Plan, a new ‘Ripley PDA Application/Lodgement Form’ (Form) has been prepared and will be published on council’s Planning and Development website for use with lodgement of all applications in the Ripley Valley PDA. This form will be available for use from Monday 17 June 2024.

The new Form will replace the existing ‘Engineering Certification Form – EDQ’ and is to be used for all applications and/or lodgements in the Ripley Valley PDA, including planning applications through to plan sealing applications. Please note that from Monday 17 June 2024 onwards, the Form and all plans, documents and fees indicated on the Form as 'mandatory supporting information' must be submitted for the application to be accepted. When naming the 'mandatory supporting information' attachments, please name as they appear on the Form e.g. PDA Form – Application for Compliance Assessment, Certification Deed Poll – Project Coordinator, Supporting Plans, Supporting Documents, etc.

Council is hopeful that this new form will contribute towards significant overall improved efficiencies for developments in the Ripley Valley PDA. Once again, as an organisation we are strongly committed to a continued open/honest working relationship with the Development Industry and we trust that the Industry will work collaboratively with council staff moving forward in order to ensure the Ripley Valley PDA Improvement Plan is successful.

$350 million Incentivising Infill Development Fund opens 10 June 2024

A new $350 million Incentivising Infill Development Fund is about to open, being an initiative of the State government under Homes for Queenslanders to encourage new residential development in well-located areas.

The fund will provide relief from infrastructure charges for market-ready development to unlock more homes for Queenslanders.

To qualify for funding, proposals must demonstrate returns to the Queensland community by facilitating more diverse, more affordable and well-located housing options.

Applications open on 10 June 2024 to landowners, development proponents, and authorised representatives of landowners such as planning consultants and development managers.

Find out more about the process, check eligibility and read the Guidelines.

Please contact the Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works IIDFund@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au if you have queries about the fund or application process.

Quarterly Activity Report

This is the latest Quarterly Activity Report which snapshots Development Applications Lodged and Determined, together with information on a variety of Regulatory functions which have occurred in the Ipswich City Council area.

The full snapshot can be viewed here.

Ipswich Plan 2024: Update

Ipswich City Council (council) is in the process of preparing a new planning scheme, Ipswich Plan 2024, to help plan for the future of our growing city.

The draft Ipswich Plan 2024 was shared with the community from 15 May to 16 July 2023 and the draft Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) from 12 June to 25 July 2023.

The draft Ipswich Plan 2024 received significant interest from the community with 506 submissions received and a further 35 submissions on the draft LGIP.

Council has reviewed the submissions received and has prepared a public consultation report.

If a person or organisation has lodged a submission on the draft Ipswich Plan 2024, draft LGIP or proposed ‘planning change’ (draft Feasible Alternatives Assessment Report (FAAR)) they will soon receive a letter from council directing them to the Submissions Portal where they will be able to access their personal response by using their unique reference number provided in the letter from council.

The draft Ipswich Plan 2024, including supporting mapping, has been amended in response to submissions received. Most of the revisions made are related to clarification improvements, minor updates and minor corrections.

Council has sent the revised plan to the State Government for final review and expects it to come into effect later in 2024, pending State Government and final council approval.

Following State Government and council final approval of the Ipswich Plan 2024, the planning scheme, mapping and associated property report information will be updated online.

Follow the progress of the Ipswich Plan 2024 on the Shape Your Ipswich page and register for project updates.

Ipswich City Council – Electrical Specifications

Ipswich City Council has released an updated version of the Ipswich City Council Electrical Specifications.

The Electrical Specifications for Parks and Facilities document is available to download.

To obtain a copy, please visit ipswichplanning.com.au/planning-documents/technical-specifications.

Quarterly Activity Report

This is the latest Quarterly Activity Report which snapshots Development Applications Lodged and Determined, together with information on a variety of Regulatory functions which have occurred in the Ipswich City Council area.

The full snapshot can be viewed here.